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Before she begins to painstakingly untangle a pileup of prayer requests on her voicemail each morning, before she begins fielding the several hundred daily callers whose disjointed voices cover the spectrum from desperation to delight, before she begins helping complete strangers grow in sanctity, Cathy Chichester heeds a reminder she keeps tacked to the wall beside her desk.

It says, "Before taking any calls, put on the armor of Christ."

All the workers in the Divine Mercy Intercessory Prayerline's office have their own routines to ready themselves. Cathy's routine includes turning to Ephesians 6:10-18, a passage that reads like a survival guide tailor made for prayer warriors such as herself. It's about building strength through union with the Lord, doing "all this in prayer, asking for God's help."

Ninety-nine years ago, amidst a broken, violent age, Blessed George Matulaitis-Matulewicz (1871-1927), took pen to paper in St. Petersburg, Russia, and laid out a plan for the future. Known as the "Renovator" of the Marians Fathers of the Immaculate Conception, he wrote how he wished to gather and train the laity so that they may join forces with the Marians to serve where the needs are greatest. He called it "one of the most pressing needs of our times" to "gather such people of good will around us and prepare them for such an apostolate, which would certainly result in the greater glory of God" (Journal of George Matulaitis-Matulewicz, 46-47).

A World in Need of Intercessors
Today, in a world arguably more broken and arguably more violent, the prayerline has become an extension of the Congregation's mission to be the presence of Christ to the world.

"Blessed George would be pleased," says Fr. Joseph, MIC, director of the Association of Marian Helpers. "This is a ministry that certainly addresses one of the most pressing needs of our times."

Those pressing needs became apparent more than 15 years ago when a trickle of prayer requests phoned in or mailed to the Marians grew to a daily deluge. Clearly, the world was in need of intercessors. In 1995, the prayerline was born, and since that time, the Marians have continually recruited, trained, and provided spiritual resources for lay intercessors who, through the power of prayer, serve as a spiritual bridge between heaven and earth, linking souls to the Holy Trinity.

Today, the ministry, headquartered in the Marian Helpers Center on the grounds of the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Mass., receives nearly 20,000 prayer requests a month by letter, phone, email, and through the Marians' website, thedivinemercy.org.

The needs are enormous. People request prayers not only for spiritual healing, but also for reconciliation of troubled marriages, for graces to endure chronic illnesses, for strength to overcome abusive or addictive behaviors, and for recovery from catastrophic injuries. Lately, with the economy experiencing a systemic collapse, requests have poured in regarding financial and economic needs.

"Throughout scripture, God's people are encouraged to intercede or pray for one another," says Fr. Joseph. "It is the Lord's intention that the members of the Body of Christ plea for His mercy, His life, His healing and the outpouring of His Holy Spirit on behalf of others who are experiencing injustice, suffering, or deprivation."

Prayer is the Business at Hand
On the face of it, with its rows of cubicles, the prayerline could double for a business office anywhere, except for a couple notable distinctions. Within those cubicles, those aren't operators standing by to take your order; they are intercessors standing by to take your prayer petition. And the business at hand here isn't financial (the service is free), but rather it's to serve others in a spirit of love and compassion.

"Hello, this is the prayerline. Brother Michael speaking, how may I pray for you today?" says Br. Michael Opalacz, MIC, upon picking up a blinking phone line.

In another cubicle, with images of the Blessed Mother and The Divine Mercy pinned strategically to the wall before him, volunteer Bill Jennings is telling a caller, "Let's take your troubles to the Lord and pray together."

Volunteer Claire Laydet is telling a caller, "Pray: Jesus, I trust in You!"

The intercessors don't offer counseling. They listen. They pray with callers, and they pray for callers and those who send their petitions via mail or electronically. Then, the intercessors pray for each intention in Our Lady of Mercy Oratory, located adjacent to the ministry's office. The intercessors pray for all intentions during their daily Holy Hour. The intentions are also remembered at two daily Masses, the 3 p.m. Hour of Great Mercy and in the Chaplet of The Divine Mercy.

Each intention is then placed into a prayer box beneath a 1st-class relic of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, the secretary and apostle of God's Mercy.

Nearly 20 volunteers help answer calls, light candles, and pray for intentions in the oratory. Another 4,000 people from around the world also pray a holy hour each week for all the intentions that come into the prayerline.

Yes, prayers work!
Though the Marians' prayer warriors have come to consider most blinking phone lines to be a distress signal of some sort or another, that's not always the case. Almost daily, one of those blinking lines is a report of an answered prayer — a spiritual or physical healing, a job found, a condo sold, a successful surgery, a loved one who's returned to the Church.

Miracles? Perhaps. For the people of good will that Bl. George once imagined — the workers on the prayerline — such calls simply reinforce what they already know to be true: that prayer is one of the most practical things a person can do, because God hears us.

"Still, you're handling so much grief all day long," says Cathy, "and then you get an answered prayer, and it's like a ray of sunshine that came out for a minute.

I'm reaching out because I am going through some difficult times. I'm in the process of a divorce from my husband Matt. There has been domestic abuse in the home. I met Matt in college and God had called him to be a pastor. He was following hard after the Lord Jesus and loved people, but something big happened spiritually. Matt has never been the same. He went from a wonderful kind man to being angry bitter and hostile towards Christians. I have been suffering for years under him...and I have been praying and seeking the Lord to help him. I don't know what's wrong. I don't want this divorce...I filed because so much has been going on...and it was bad. My heart is broken into tiny pieces and I can't describe the pain I have deep inside. I am crying out for reconciliation...I told my husband that I decided I didn't want divorce but he said since I filed we are going to do it...because it costs a lot. I don't want to lose hope. I love this man...be praying God touches Matts heart. Pray for reconsiliation and healing for our marriage...a miracle only God can do.

Special Needs Mom - May 24, 2018

Please pray for my daughter Christina who is has been suffering with severe mood disorder since she was very young with no relief. It has clouded her thinking and she is now questioning her identity/gender. She has left the church and no longer considers herself Catholic. She even questions the existence of God. Please pray for her to come to know the love of God for her, to come back to the church and to get the help and relief she so richly deserves from her mental, emotional and spiritual anguish. Also, please pray for me her mother to be given the grace to help and love her in a healthy way. Eternal thanks.

"J" - May 8, 2018

Please pray for Kevin. Please pray for him to steered away from the darkness that consumes his mind and heart. Guide him toward healing light. Open his heart and his mind to receive and accept love without doubt from those who care about him. Please help him to heal from his past. Please help him to forgive and grow. Please pray for him to find strength to seek help when needed, and strength to move forward in a more positive way through life. Please pray for me to have strength to continue loving and forgiving him. Please pray for me to heal and forgive. Please pray for us to restore communication between each other. Please pray for us to rebuild a stronger friendship and to reconcile our relationship.

Angmbryan1 - Jun 5, 2017

First let us give the Lord thanks for the abundance of all things.Please pray that the Lord would deliver his people from evil men; That the Lord would preserve his people from violent men, who plan evil things in their heart and stir up wars continually. Pray against the spirit of anti Christ,false witness,terrorism hatred and violence. Please pray and intercede without ceasing that God’s will be done in the lives of the world’s leaders and for President Trump and our leaders to seek God and listen to Him. Pray that they would be surrounded by godly counsel and, that our leadership would personally know God and the salvation found through faith in Jesus Christ alone. That we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. God can turn the hearts of kings. Earnestly pray that the people of America and its leaders will humble themselves and seek the Lords face and turn from their wicked ways. Pray that the Lord would hear from heaven and forgive our countries sins and heal our land. God Bless America Pray that the Lord would grant peace in America, that we may lie down and no one will make us afraid. That the Lord would remove wild beasts from the land, and that the sword will not pass through our country Please pray for revival and that the Lord would pour out his spirit on his servants, throughout the world both men and women. Pray for the peace of Israel. Gods will be done on earth as it is in heaven.In Jesus Name, Amen.

Deeply Suffering - Apr 7, 2017

I am in need of receiving an overflow of blessings and mirackes. I would like prayer to receive a powerful release of a miracle. I am under heavy bondge and oppression of satan. I would like prayer God sets me free because satan, the powers of darkness and pure evil refuses and will not let me go. This is a very fearful situation; I am in a lot of pain and I am suffering. Please pray God will grant me my freedom I am in desprate need of. Thank you.

Angela - Feb 1, 2017

Please pray that the Lord would deliver his people from evil men; That the Lord would preserve his people from violent men, who plan evil things in their heart and stir up wars continually. Please pray and intercede without ceasing that God’s will be done in the lives of the world’s leaders and for our leaders to seek God and listen to Him. Pray that they would be surrounded by godly counsel and, that our leadership would personally know God and the salvation found through faith in Jesus Christ alone. That we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. God can turn the hearts of kings. Earnestly pray that the people of America and it’s leaders will humble themselves and seek the Lords face and turn from their wicked ways. Pray that the Lord would hear from heaven and forgive our countries sins and heal our land. God Bless America Pray that the Lord would grant peace in America, that we may lie down and no one will make us afraid. That the Lord would remove wild beasts from the land, and that the sword will not pass through our country and that President Trump along with our leaders be filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might to declare the sins of Gods people. Please pray that the Lord would pour out his spirit on his servants, throughout the world both men and women. In Jesus Name Amen

Sandra - Jun 25, 2016

I need your pray.....because someone with powerful.....is rape me....torture....abuse....kissing my bladder......and punishment my self. If I said something...he surfer all my personal.....parts....and he erased my indentitied.....DNA,cell, plasma....to give everything.....to transexual.....Beyonce Knowles carter....she is a singer.....from rb...she is a black.....goat..and he want her be white....stolling. ...any christian....baptized...white soul....she soul....her to the devil...and go things with him......

David - Sep 2, 2015

Please pray that I always totally forget myself and always try to console Our Lord in the best possible way.

Lord, God of Host, Protect & Forgive all & our families forever, through Jesus blood, wounds, Face, crown, works of his heart. In Jesus Name. Amen
Please protect and bless every one and their families. Grant them blessings of temporal and spiritual, guidance, and help in all their needs and necessities, defend from evil forces, bring them safely home to heaven. Grant them all types of protections for ever and ever. in Jesus Name. Amen.Amen.Amen.

Debbie - Nov 27, 2014

restoration for my family. Soften Tyson's heart to not follow through with this divorce. Bring us back to a whole family again and protect my children's hearts during all of this
Please strong prayers my heart is so broken

Kathleen - Jul 10, 2014

I became a Divine Prayer Warrior a few months ago. Some of my prayers for my family have been answered and I find comfort knowing that I can pray for many more thru this prayer line. Jesus I trust In YOY>

barbara - May 24, 2014

PLEASE, PLEASE PRAY & FAST FOR COMPLETE, PERMANENT DELIVERANCE VERY QUICKLY FROM MAJOR ABANDONMENT ISSUES, LIFELONG DEPRESSION & ANXIETY.& FEAR OF LOVE. ALSO FOR EXACTLY THE RIGHT MEDICATION WITH NO SIDE EFFECTS. And, for my son whose girlfriend broke up with him and he is sad (he has had some struggles with depression also)...:((( Also, for Greg to make the right decision about a job and home. PLEASE leave me on the list permanently! THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Jos - Mar 27, 2014

Prayer for All Sinners:

Yahweh our God. We commit this world and everything into your hands forever. With all souls, sinners, our families, bloodline, hopes, works, relationships and future. Have mercy on us always through the blood, wounds, face , heart and works of Jesus our Lord. Bless our ways, Grant us protection ,safety and final perseverance always. in Jesus Name. We Pray. Amen.

Tom - Jan 27, 2014

I love the rosary.

Nicole - Apr 2, 2013

My life has been utterly destroyed. I have been stalked for nearly 2 years. I've lost everything, job & home. I cannot take anymore. God has been silent to my cries & pleading. I can't even pray anymore, it seems to be in vain. I specifically need prayer for God to reveal these persons identity to the police. The authorities (seem) to be treating me as though I am mentally ill & constructed this elaborate story, which I didn't. What has happened to me is true. Thanks for praying for me.

Lois Ann - Nov 8, 2011

This past summer, I had the privilege to volunteer on the prayer line two days per week. This is serious work and the intercessors pour themselves into it! If people only knew the sincerity and true love of the intercessors, they would be in awe! This is truly Spiritual Warfare! The preparation and prayer that goes into every moment of every day on the prayerline is awesome! These people love their fellow man with a love that comes directly from the Holy Spirit. As a nurse for over thirty years, I believe that my work with the sick and dying prepared me for the work on the prayerline. When an intercessor picks up that phone, they have no idea who is on the other end. However, they do know who is with them as they listen, pray, and trust. The work is intense. There is no chatter as you would find in a workplace of another kind. The day begins with prayer and ends with prayer with lots of prayer in between. They wear the full armor of God and come and go with joy and trust in their hearts. This is a very special calling and I beg all who can to pray for those volunteers who man those phone lines day after day, lifting up to Jesus the needs that are so faithfully entrusted to them hour after hour, day after day, week after week. These prayer warriors live by the words of Divine Mercy.."Jesus I trust in you." Let us all keep them in our prayers. They are the unsung heroes of the message of Divine Mercy. It was my privilege to be a part of this ministry for the days I was there. God bless every one of you!

MILA G. DAVID - May 12, 2011

PLEASE LORD, HELP ME PUT THIS IN YOUR SHRINE OF DIVINE MERCY. PLS DELIVER ME FROM MY HEAVY PROBLEMS AND MY FINANCIAL SETBACKS. PLS DELIVER ME FROM EVIL PEOPLE AND HELP MY CHILDREN IN THEIR VICISSITUDES. HELP ME LORD WITH MY PROBLEMS, DO NOT ABANDON METHAKS MILA

T.D. - Jan 21, 2011

We offer to the Father, all of Jesus Blood, Wounds, Passion, Merits, Works, Love, Mercy, Holy Face & all Holy Masses for our sins, the world & souls in purgatory every moment for all Eternity. To save as many souls as drops of blood Jesus shed during passion each moment & chastisement not severe until end of time. Void all sins & Ancestors sins of ours, the world, & our seeds. To bring healing to all of us- all areas. We consecrate all Diocese, parishes, families, individuals, countries, governments, leaders, all souls & every one to the Sacred Heart of Jesus & the Father, Immaculate Heart of Mary, & Blessed Trinity, & Precious Blood of Jesus each day for all eternity. Please have mercy on us-all areas, those we pray for, & assist us in all our needs – spiritual, physical, psychological, interpersonal, financial & interpersonal – every day until end of time. Please bring down miracles for us. In Jesus Name, Wounds, & Blood, Passion & Heart we pray. Amen
Please accept this as a silent prayer for each second of our lives, each breathe & every beats of our hearts & we dedicate this as acts of Worship, Love, thanksgiving, honor, praise, glory, surrender, trust, obedience, hope, towards Our Lord Jesus Christ every moment until eternity. In Jesus Name. Amen
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have Mercy in all areas of our lives. Amen
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us. Always
St. Joseph, Pray for us
All ye holy angels and saints, Pray for us Always. Amen.

sally - Oct 16, 2009

The Prayler line is so very powerful,kind, filled with grace and knowledge. I can feel their hand in mind, often holding me up, and bringing me to Christ in prayer. God Bless each and every one of you.

Jacinta - Aug 12, 2009

I want to thank all the intercessors, your prayers have worked and will continue to work! Thank you for your faithfullness to us

maryS - Aug 10, 2009

I would like to express my sincerity to all prayer warriors who have done a great job, I know this is not an easy task but when you lay everything to HIM, "Before taking any calls, put on the armor of Christ."it turn out an easy task,HE is the one who do for the good of us,thank you Divine Mercy Prayerline,I am one who asked favor to pray for others who like to be prayed especially that they don't have internets,and praying for my family,Happy I am if they tells me that their prayers were answered,god bless you bountifully.Amen

Theresa - Aug 10, 2009

I was one of those who was calling before 1995.

Prayer and Our Blessed Mother have been my Life-Line since my early childhood. When I was introduced to Divine Mercy in 1991 everything for me began to change. The Lord arranged for my day at work starting in 1992 to be so that I could close my office door at 2:55 pm. Five minutes before the Hour of Divine Mercy to ready myself. Those first 15 minutes were ALL His. And I even woke up at 3:00 am every morning, like on cue, and prayed the Chaplet; as well as at 6:00 am to pray the Angelus.

This Prayer Line has been more than a Blessing and I have often referred others to use it.

With the crisis of the state of the world, the Church and the need of our souls this Pray Line is pure GRACE.